INDIANAPOLIS — The ringleader of a massive multi-state drug trafficking operation was sentenced to life in prison Friday.
Keith Jones or "Keybo", of Indianapolis, was sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted by a federal jury in November of engaging in a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to commit money laundering, nine counts of drug trafficking and two counts of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
In addition to 57-year-old Jones' sentence, a federal judge sentenced his co-conspirators to a total of over 100 years in federal prison.
Kevin M. Backstrom, 58, of Los Angeles was sentenced to 30 years after his conviction of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering. Court documents show that Backstrom was the primary drug supplier for the organization.
“The primary goal of law enforcement is to make our communities safer for all of us,” said Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our partners to take the poison of drugs off the street and end the violent crime that comes with it.”
In total, 22 other individuals were either indicted or convicted for their roles in the ring. The U.S. District Attorney's Office released the following names as other "notable" sentences handed down:
- Sean E. Devonish, 46, of Indianapolis — Sentenced to 20 years for drug trafficking.
- Herman Wesley Tavorn, 42, of Indianapolis — Sentenced to 25 years for fentanyl possession with intent to distribute.
- Jamie L. Rayner, 34, of Indianapolis — Sentenced to 15 years for drug trafficking and money laundering.
- Marcus N. Miles, 49, of Indianapolis — Sentenced to 13 years for drug trafficking.
- Anthony Moore, 37, of Indianapolis — Sentenced to 12.5 years for drug trafficking, fentanyl possession with intent to distribute and methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute.
- Nicholas Ray, 33, of Indianapolis — Sentenced to 135 months for cocaine possession with intent to distribute.
- Steve L. Young, 30, of Indianapolis — Sentenced to 125 months for drug trafficking.
"If you are pushing this poison, take notice that our office is working every day with federal, state, and local law enforcement to reduce the supply of these deadly drugs and put you in federal prison, potentially for life,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
